Foton PH shows support to local farmers in Region 9

Updated Sep 21, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

It has released 20 CV units to DAR Region 9.

Foton Motor Philippines continues to deliver on its commitment to support the welfare of the Filipino people. Its latest effort is to provide support to the projects of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region 9 by turning over fleets of Foton commercial vehicles (CVs).

Foton Motor Philippines turn over ceremony DAR 9 Region

Staying true to its commitment

Within the turnover ceremony, Foton Zamboanga was able to release 20 units to DAR Region 9, comprised of the Gratour MT Dropside, Tornado 4.4C Dropside, Tornado M2E E4 Dropside, Tornado M4.2C Dropside, Thunder 4x2 EX, Hurricane EST-M Dropside, and Tornado C 4.8 Dropside.

“If it’s for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos, especially for the backbone of our economy – local farmers – we’ll be steadily supporting,” said Foton Motor Philippines President Rommel Sytin.

The Gratour MT Dropside is a light commercial vehicle (LCV) that should help DAR Region 9 in hauling cargo on narrow roads more seamlessly. It offers a payload capacity of 1.4 tons with its 1.5-liter gasoline engine that is capable of generating 110 hp and 142 Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, heavier cargo can be delivered by the Tornado and Hurricane units which are the car brand’s light-duty trucks and medium-duty trucks, respectively. Both trucks are powered by a Cummins engine that produces rugged performance and reliable capabilities.

Foton Trucks DAR Region 9

The trucks can be used to hasten DAR Region 9 projects

All the turned-over Foton units are expected to haul and deliver farm supplies and products to hasten DAR Region 9 projects. In turn, it will improve the livelihood of local farmers in the area, fulfilling the brand’s commitment to the wellness of the Filipino people.

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Know more about Foton Gratour 2024

Foton Gratour

The Foton Gratour 2024 is a series of configurations that includes Wingvan, F-Van, MPV, and Dropside. It is available in the Philippines in five variants and the Foton Gratour Philippines price starts from Php 570,000 and goes at Php 730,000. Powering the vehicle is a 1.5-liter DAM15DR gasoline engine that is paired to a 5-speed manual transmission only. Depending on the variant, the engine can produce either 110 horsepower and 142 Nm of torque, or 114 horsepower and 150 Nm of torque.

In terms of dimensions, the largest numbers are found on the MPV configuration which spans 4,525 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 2,145 mm high, with a wheelbase rated at 2,650 mm. Locally, the Gratour competes against the likes of the Suzuki APV, Kaicene Honor S, and BAIC M50S.

>>> New and used Foton Gratour 2024 for sale in the Philippines

Foton Gratour Launch

The Gratour iM6 variant was displayed at the 2019 Manila International Auto Show. It was then formally launched in February 2020. Another popular variant is the Gratour MiniVan which was first introduced in 2015, powered by a 1.2L engine. Following the success of its first-generation model, Foton Philippines launched the new 2019 Gratour MiniVan. Meanwhile, the Gratour Midi Truck range was introduced in 2017, which comprises the Dropside, Wing Van, Patrol Jeep, Jeepney, and MPV variants. Foton is known for its affordability and versatility, particularly in provincial cities.

Foton Gratour Exterior

The newest Foton Gratour iM6 adapts the design aesthetic of more popular vehicles in its segment. However, it is taller and wider than most MPVs. In front is a large chrome grille that is complemented by sweeping multi-reflector headlamps and fog lamps. The straightforward and minimally-designed iM6 rides on 15-inch alloys. 

Foton Gratour front

On the other hand, the Gratour MiniVan boasts five doors, two of which are sliding. Its body has been revamped from the previous generation, which now features an improved front grille, sculpted lines on each side, and 14-inch alloy wheels. It features halogen headlights and fog lights. 

Foton Gratour side

Meanwhile, the Gratour Midi Truck range offers multiple body options to cater to specific business and hauling needs. The lineup follows the design of typical midi trucks released by other brands. All of the Midi Trucks ride on 14-inch wheels.

Foton Gratour Interior

The 7-seater Gratour iM6 is decked in full leather upholstery for all seats as well as the steering wheel. On the second row are captain seats with recline adjustability. Its entire cabin is spacious with plenty of headroom and legroom even at full capacity.

Foton Gratour interior

The 8-seater MiniVan also offers a generous amount of space, with the third-row seats designed to fold up to accommodate additional cargo. Its cabin sports a neutral color palette and all seats are wrapped in soft fabric, giving a clean and simple look.

Foton Gratour Technology & Safety Features

The iM6 2024 is equipped with a trip computer that reflects the vehicle’s tachometer, fuel, and temperature gauge. On top of this is a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that comes with Bluetooth, AUX, and USB. It also comes with an automatic climate control system, a reverse camera,  backup sensors, and an anti-lock brake system for added convenience and safety.

Meanwhile, the MiniVan comes with electronic brake distribution, an anti-lock brake system, and a keyless push start button. The commercial vehicle variants, on the other hand, are equipped with the bare necessities such as a basic audio and radio system, front and rear air-conditioning, and an anti-lock brake system with electronic brake distribution.

Platform & Chassis

Foton Gratour’s iM6 variant comes with a McPherson strut front suspension and five-link non-independent rear suspension that keeps the vehicle stable and comfortable through rough roads. The top range variant’s stopping power comes from front ventilated discs and rear disc brakes.

The MiniVan MPV variant comes with front McPherson struts with coil springs and rear leaf spring suspension. It is equipped with disc brakes in front and drum brakes at the rear.

The Midi Truck range is also set up with independent McPherson struts in front and rigid leaf springs at the rear. The commercial vehicle models are equipped with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.

Engine & Drivetrain

Across all variants of the Gratour is a 1.5L DAM 15 DR gasoline engine that produces a range of 110 hp to 114 hp, depending on the variant. Its top-spec variant, the iM6, produces 115 hp and 150 Nm of torque while the MiniVan’s Euro-4 compliant engine and the Midi Truck range can power out up to 114 hp and 150 Nm of torque. All engines powering the Foton Gratour lineup are able to haul the maximum weight capacity of each model with ease and comfort. 

The engine is connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels for the iM6 variant and the rest of the commercial vehicles, while it goes to the front wheels for the MiniVan variant.

Available colors for the Foton Gratour are White, Brown, and Brown Metallic.

What separates the Foton Gratour from its rivals such as the Kaicene Honor S 2024 and Suzuki APV is that it is available in a wide array of configurations.

Foton Gratour 2024 Price List

 Variants Price
Foton Gratour 1.5 MT Dropside ₱570,000
Foton Gratour MT 1.5 F-Van ₱665,000
Foton Gratour 1.5 TM MPV Single AC ₱690,000
Foton Gratour MT 1.5 Wing Van ₱715,000
Foton Gratour 1.5 MT MPV Dual AC ₱730,000

Foton Gratour Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Available in various configurations
  • Good cabin space
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Unexciting design
  • Ride can be bumpy for rear passengers
  • Lacks fast acceleration

₱ 520,000 - ₱ 708,000

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Rex Sanchez

Rex Sanchez

Author

Rex Sanchez grew up in Saudi Arabia where he saw and got into the automotive scene. He started his career for an aviation company in the said region, writing about turbines and rotors which are later distributed for educational purposes. And now, he joined Philkotse.com as a staff writer. Currently, he is the youngest on the team and is more than ready to grow in the field.

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